Geography
3 basic topographical areas:
the Swiss Alps 60% , the Swiss plateau or "middleland“ 30% , the Jura mountains 10%
Highest elevation: Dufourspitze 4,634 m
Largest lakes: Geneva, Zürich, Neuchâtel, Constance
Famous mountain is the Matterhorn (4,478 m) and Pennine Alps
3000 km² of glaciers and firn
Facts & Figures
1 August 1291, Federal republic
26 states=cantons , capital Bern
Not a war since 1815
Hosts international organizations:
Red Cross, WTO and one of the United Nation's 2 European offices.
One of the richest countries in the world by per capita gross domestic product
Currency: swiss franc
Natural resources:
Waterpower, timber, salt.
Agricultural Products:
Dairy, livestock, grains, fruit and vegetables, potatoes, wine.
Industries:
Wachinery, chemicals, watches, textiles, precision instruments.
Exports partners:
Germany 20.8%, USA 11.3%, France 8.7%, Italy 8.3%, UK 4.9%, Japan 4% (2003)
Imports partners: Germany 32.3%, France 10.8%, Italy 10.7%, USA 5.5%, Netherlands 5%, Austria 4.2%, UK 4.1% (2003)
Climate
W- strong influence of the Atlantic ocean
Winds bring moisture-> cause rainfall
E- continental climate
S of the Alps- almost Mediterranean climate-> higher temperatures
Spring is wet and cool
Summers are warm and dry max 35°C
Autumn frequently tends to be the driest season
Weather phenomenon -föhn- heavy winds and an extremely good view where the mountains appear much closer than they are.
Religion
Roman Catholic
Protestant
Islam
Eastern Orthodoxy.…
